Cosmetic surgery is an industry that is always changing, always improving, and always advancing. Advancements in technology lead to advancements in how we can use that technology to change the way we look and feel. One of the latest developments in cosmetic surgery is a new form of liposuction known as laser assisted liposuction, or Smart Lipo™ which, as the name implies, makes use of a laser to remove unwanted deposits of fat from the patient’s body. Smart Lipo™ has a number of advantages over traditional liposuction methods, which is why Dr. Goldberg is pleased to now be able to offer this cutting-edge procedure to her patients.
The biggest single difference between Smart Lipo™ and traditional liposuction methods is, of course, the use of a laser. The laser has a number of effects that make laser assisted liposuction more suitable than traditional methods for certain patients and situations.
With traditional liposuction a cannula, or hollow tube, is inserted into the patient’s body through an incision at the site of the procedure. The cannula is used to introduce extra liquid into the area, as well as to remove the resultant mixture of fat and liquid. With Smart Lipo™, because the micro cannula used to insert the laser is much smaller, the incisions user much smaller. This results in smaller and much less noticeable scarring, which is particularly useful in highly visible areas of the body such as the face and neck.
Another advantage provided by the Smart Lipo™ laser is that the heat it produces can help cauterize adjacent tissue which can minimize bleeding, and chance of infection. Because the heat of the laser actually melts the fat before it is removed, less liquid is required for the procedure to be effective in comparison to traditional liposuction. Easier extraction of waste fat also results in less disturbance of surrounding tissue. Being less invasive a procedure helps to reduce recovery time. Traditional liposuction methods can require up to a week to recover, while patients who receive laser assisted liposuction are often back to work in about two days. The heat also results in contraction of the skin around the affected area. This provides a firmer, more contoured effect to the final result, giving the patient a more pleasing shape.
Smart Lipo™ isn’t, by any means, better than traditional methods in all situations and for all patients. In cases where there is quite a lot of fat to be removed, for example, traditional tumescent liposuction is often the better choice. This is why Dr. Goldberg continues to offer both procedures; she is dedicated to providing the best, and most appropriate, treatment for each and every patient is required by their unique needs. If you’re considering cosmetic surgery as a way of getting the tight, contoured body you feel you should have, you should first book a consultation. A thorough, in-depth consultation with Dr. Goldberg is the only way to determine for certain what procedures are most likely to produce the results you desire.
Author: Doctor Goldberg is a board certified plastic surgeon located in Southern California. Dr. Goldberg obtained her M.D. degree at Stanford University School of Medicine and is the recipient of the prestigious Fresh Start Research Fellowship from the American Plastic Surgery Education Foundation in 2004. She has presented her research at national meetings and several publications in peer reviewed journals.